Churches frown at sexual exploitation of women in workplaces, as world marks International Women’s Day (Video)

The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has expressed concern over the continued existence of sexual exploitation in workplaces, universities and churches. CCZ General-Secretary, James Phiri, called for swift action in addressing abuses affecting women and girls. Phiri said this on Sunday in a message marking International Women’s Day, celebrated this year under the theme “Rights.

For All Women and Girls.” He urged the establishment of safe spaces where women and girls can report sexual exploitation across all sectors without fear or intimidation. “This theme deeply resonates with our mandate of ensuring that the rights of women and girls are not only advocated for, but that swift and decisive action is taken whenever those rights are violated,” Phiri said. He said the church body, through its Gender and Health Department, continued to implement programmes aimed at empowering women and girls.

Phiri added that economic empowerment played a key role in reducing vulnerability among women and girls. He said CCZ believed economic empowerment allowed women and girls to exercise their freedom of choice with dignity. “As a nation, we are pleased to note the strides that have been made by both the government and civil society organizations in creating a more conducive environment for women and girls,” he said.

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Phiri urged citizens to work together to combat sexual exploitation at all levels and ensure perpetrators were held accountable. Phiri said CCZ wished to remind women and girls that they were fearfully and wonderfully made and should not allow anything to diminish their value. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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